The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 517

The sudden voice caught everyone off guard, and all eyes turned to the second floor.

A tall man leaned nonchalantly against the upstairs banister, his elegant fingers resting casually on the polished rail. Even with his detached expression, there was no hiding his air of authority and privilege.

Not recognizing the newcomer, several heads swiveled toward Mamie. "Mamie, who's that?"

Mamie spoke up, "That's Sebastian Vesper, Chairman of the Stellaris Group."

Someone swallowed hard, disbelief clear in his tone. "Wait, you mean *the* Stellaris Group? As in, the head of Shadow Syndicate?"

Mamie nodded. "That's right."

"Unbelievable! I can't believe he's actually here."

"I've only ever heard about him in rumors," someone else whispered. "This is the first time I've ever seen President Vesper in person."

"Tonight is worth it," another murmured. "President Carmichael, President Vesper, and Ms. Glenwood-the woman who developed the NecroBlitz Tablets. Honestly, just getting in good with any one of them would be a win."

Someone, still reeling, eyed Mamie and couldn't help but ask, "Mamie, you actually know President Vesper?"

Mamie shook her head. "Not really. His secretary reached out and asked if President Vesper could attend, so I sent an invitation." She couldn't imagine ever being in direct contact with a man like him otherwise.

and Theo

here? Since when did he become Chairman of Stellaris

shook his head in disbelief. "No way Sebastian's the

baffled, they kept their thoughts to

one dared to raise

appearance, but his reputation preceded him. Everyone wanted the NecroBlitz Tablets, but nobody was foolish enough to cross someone of his stature. Besides, he'd already driven the bidding sky-high, well beyond what most of them could afford. Even if they wanted to compete, they

cleared his throat. "Fifty

get to

out from the main floor. "One hundred

It was Citrine

The moment she met

dominant personality. And if he was calling the shots then the score from the fast encounter, when she'd been

a spark of mischief. Raising her paddle,

a sly, challenging smile.

Sebastian's expression

her in silence, but even that single look was

seemed utterly unfazed. Her smile only grew

silent standoff,